Skip to main content

Technology Transfer: Federal Efforts to Enhance the Competitiveness of Small Manufacturers

RCED-92-30 Published: Nov 22, 1991. Publicly Released: Nov 22, 1991.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the: (1) technology needs of small manufacturers to improve their competitiveness; and (2) effectiveness of four federal programs, especially the Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Technology Centers Program, in addressing those needs.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Because the primary need of most small manufacturers for improving their productivity is to adopt proven technologies, Congress, in considering whether to expand existing, or initiate new, federal technology assistance programs, may wish to refocus the emphasis of such programs from transferring advanced, laboratory-based technologies to transferring proven, off-the-shelf technologies.
Closed – Not Implemented
The proposed National Competitiveness Act of 1993 was not passed by the 103rd Congress. No similar legislation is currently being considered by the 104th Congress.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Budget cutsCompetitionstate relationsIndustrial productivityManufacturing industryProposed legislationSmall business assistanceTechnical assistanceTechnology transferGovernment and business